Turning pages, discovering China — A cultural journey across China with books

To learn about a country, there is no better way than to immerse yourself in its books. Today we embark on a cultural journey with seven books published by institutions under China International Communications Group. They present the rich diversity of this vast and enchanting land, offering a panoramic view of China's time-honored culture, breathtaking landscapes, modern metropolises, and profound heritage.

The journey starts from Dunhuang where Eastern and Western civilizations converge.

Keywords to Understand China: Dunhuang (Chinese-English bilingual edition)

In China's vast northwest lies Dunhuang, located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in present-day Gansu province. Standing as a strategic gateway on the ancient Silk Road, it has long been hailed as the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations. If there is one place that bears witness to the true existence of the grand Silk Road across two millennia, it is Dunhuang. Across centuries, merchants, monks, and artists bequeathed a shared cultural legacy to Dunhuang.

Crafted by experts from the Dunhuang Academy and other prestigious institutions and published by Blossom Press, "Keywords to Understand China: Dunhuang" is a resourceful and practical guide to Dunhuang culture. It is organized with 80 well-explained entries covering the Silk Road spirit, historical figures, cultural relics, and cave murals, presenting a concise yet vivid panorama of Dunhuang to international readers in a friendly way.

After a cultural feast, we travel to the breathtaking natural landscapes of China.

The Ambassador's Collection: Chinese Natural Wonders — Treasures of the Landscape (English edition)

From the majestic peaks of Huangshan to the crystal-clear waters of Jiuzhaigou, from the surreal karst formations of Guilin to the vastness of Qinghai Lake, "Chinese Natural Wonders — Treasures of the Landscape" leads readers to the most breathtaking mountains, rivers, and lakes across China, taking them on a beautiful journey across the country's diverse geography. With stunning full-color photography and concise text, the book weaves together natural beauty and cultural context, revealing how China's landscapes have inspired poets, artists, and travelers from the ancient times until today. It is published by Sinolingua Press.

"The Ambassador's Collection" is a series designed for cultural ambassadors connecting China and the world. Each volume focuses on a single topic and presents China in a clear, engaging way to international readers. It not only stands as a precious collection for people engaged in Sino-foreign cultural and people-to-people exchanges, but also serves as an exquisite cultural gift recognized and exchanged across all sectors of the international community.

We're not alone in this journey: Encounter China's most representative rare animals.

Treasures of China: Encounter 80 Rare Animals

Published by New World Press, "Treasures of China: Encounter 80 Rare Animals" selects 80 of China's most representative rare animals, including the giant panda, crested ibis, Amur tiger, and snow leopard. With 414 high-definition photographs, it is structured along China's "three-tiered terrain" — from the snow-capped Roof of the World, through deserts and grasslands, to plains and coastal wetlands.

By comparing the descriptions of mythical beasts in ancient books with the real species discovered through modern scientific expeditions, the book builds a bridge connecting ancient legends with contemporary ecological conservation, allowing readers to appreciate the beauty of biodiversity while feeling the awe for all things in nature and learning about harmonious coexistence embodied in traditional Chinese culture.

Now let's dive into the vibrant charm of Beijing's urban life.

An Exploration of Beijing

Waving goodbye to nature, we arrive in the city of Beijing. "An Exploration of Beijing" invites readers to dive into the timeless charm of this ancient yet modern capital, where time-honored heritage blends seamlessly with vibrant urban charm.

Published by China Pictorial Press, the book features 108 hand-drawn scenes depicting Beijing's iconic landmarks and daily life — from the majestic Forbidden City, sacred Temple of Heaven, and elegant Summer Palace to the bustling Wangfujing pedestrian street, tranquil old hutongs, and modern entertainment venues. Through delicate pen-and-wash illustrations and accessible English texts, the book serves as a guide for international readers to explore Beijing's profound history and culture, authentic lifestyle, and hidden gems.

Traveling southward, we arrive in Tianjin to savor the folk charm of Yangliuqing woodblock prints.

Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Prints (Chinese-French bilingual edition)

Marching south along the Grand Canal from Beijing, we reach Yangliuqing in Tianjin. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, artists, raw pigments, and craft techniques from the Jiangnan region traveled north via the canal and took root in local Yangliuqing workshops. Drawing on the refined lines, graceful hues, and meticulous fine-brush shading of Suzhou's Taohuawu prints, Yangliuqing woodblock new year paintings blend Jiangnan's subtle elegance with northern boldness, forming a distinctive artistic style.

Published by Foreign Languages Press, "Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Paintings" presents 222 masterpieces categorized into four thematic chapters, all selected from the finest collection of Tianjin Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Painting Museum. The art form, inscribed on China's first national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006, features vibrant colors, graceful lines, and auspicious motifs — including plump babies, floral scenes, and opera characters. Crafted for a global readership, the book offers a comprehensive and visually captivating introduction to one of China's most cherished folk traditions.

As the museum's first comprehensive and systematic compilation of its treasured collection, the book verifies and elaborates on the title, era, and theme of each piece, clearly outlining the historical evolution of Yangliuqing new year paintings.

Following the Grand Canal, we reach the south end — Hangzhou.

The Biography of Hangzhou

The Grand Canal terminates at Hangzhou in the south. Hangzhou, known in China as a "paradise on Earth," is a city immersed in the misty charm of the West Lake, where willow branches gently brush the water in spring, and the fragrance of osmanthus lingers in the air in autumn. Blending timeless natural beauty with thriving modern prosperity, it also boasts a dynamic economy and thriving urban vitality.

Published by New Star Press, "The Biography of Hangzhou" presents a comprehensive history of Hangzhou, spanning thousands of years. It begins with the prehistoric Liangzhu culture, moves through the dynasties when Hangzhou flourished as a political and cultural center, and concludes with its modern transformation into an international and livable metropolis. It not only showcases the natural beauty of Hangzhou, but also tells the stories and everyday vibes woven throughout its history, making it an excellent humanistic work for a thorough understanding of Hangzhou.

As the journey comes to an end, let's go back to the basics of the Chinese language.

Tales of Chinese Characters (Chinese-English bilingual edition)

"Tales of Chinese Characters" is a four-volume bilingual (Chinese-English) picture book series published by Dolphin Books. Targeting an international readership, the series selects 100 representative characters and presents them through artistic illustrations paired with vivid bilingual explanations. The characters are arranged from simple to complex according to the number of penstrokes, which is in line with the cognitive characteristics of children and helps readers of all ages understand the beauty and cultural connotation of Chinese characters.

Turning the pages of "Tales of Chinese Characters," every character comes alive, telling time-honored stories and revealing the unique charm of Chinese civilization. With engaging content and exquisite design, the book series not only inspires children's interest in learning Chinese characters, but also allows international readers to appreciate the profound cultural heritage of Chinese civilization.

A book has its final chapter, yet the quest to explore a culture knows no end. Within these volumes, we journey across China, feasting our minds on splendid cultural legacies, stunning natural scenery, rare wild creatures, historic cities blended with modern vibrancy and artistic treasures. May these books inspire our readers to embark on a real journey of discovery, and kindle a lasting desire to further explore the profound charm of Chinese culture.